When Jennifer Holmes moved to Mission, she had no idea that a few years later she would be running for a seat on Mission Council.
Holmes had never been scared of standing in front of an audience and thinking on her feet. With guidance from Toastmasters, she just wanted to do it better. Hopefully as a councillor.
A Mission resident for six years — she and partner Kieran own a home in old town Mission — Holmes had a taste of provincial politics when she ran for the Green Party in 2017.
“More than anything, the run for a provincial seat gave me insights into the needs and concerns of Mission. It taught me to listen. I know I can use that experience on city council.”
Earlier this summer she decided to give something back to a community she loves.
Holmes is involved with transportation for Hospital Transfers and says in her line of work she sees the Fraser Valley from one end to the other and Mission is “something special.”
“The river, railways, forestry-related industry, these things and many more have been elements of a rich heritage,” said Holmes, adding “we must respect and honour this past as we carefully unwrap our future.”
Housing, development, traffic and homelessness are among the key issues for Holmes.
“Mission is in a unique position to learn from other jurisdictions as to how best manage the growth that is coming. I offer new thinking and public dialogue that will benefit all the people of Mission.”